Obituaries

of Chelsea, Michigan, Elizabeth (Ferwerda) Fox went to her heavenly home – July 5th after many months of declining health and repeated hospitalizations.  She was born in 1923 in East Stroudsburg, PA to a Presbyterian minister, Floris Ferwerda, who came from the Netherlands, and his wife, Marie Undritz Ferwerda, who came from Latvia.

She was the 6th of 7 children. Her younger brother John lives in Beirut, Lebanon. She met Winslow Fox at the University of Chicago, where they were both undergraduate students. The Lord must have led them together, and they were both surprised to find that each intended to go to China as a missionary. They were married in 1945 in Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, where they both sang in the choir.  Together Elizabeth and her husband Winslow raised four beautiful daughters, who also sing and make joyful noises to the Lord: Laurie Fox, Carolyn Inglis, Patsy Bruenger, and Marcia Fox. There are 7 grandchildren: Damien & Andrew Rozendal, Emilyn & Dan Inglis, Beth & Amy McClung, and Peter Bruenger; and two great-grandchildren, Autry Rozendal and Harley Norman.  After Winslow finished medical internship, the young Fox family moved to Puerto Rico. Winslow was on the staff of a small church hospital and Elizabeth reached out in many ways to befriend and serve her new Spanish-speaking neighbors.  This aspect of her life later showed itself in her involvement with Ann Arbor’s International Neighbors. Guests from overseas were often in the Fox home – perhaps for a meal, or staying for weeks or months. These guests were often Arab, or Spanish –speaking. This impacted the 4 growing daughters, who grew to share in hospitable and caring activities.  Elizabeth loved to be silly, and both humor and music often filled the home. She sang to the daughters, and she taught them to pray. Grace at meals was mandatory, either spoken or sung. No matter where they lived, there was always a garden. She loved the water, and made sure that the kids all learned to swim.

 

 

Elizabeth’s memorial service was held at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4205 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor at 11:00 am on July 9, 2011, followed by a luncheon/Homegoing Party in the Great Room of the church.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:
* UMRC Heritage Foundation, 805 W Middle St., Chelsea MI 48118; which provides support for residents of Chelsea Retirement Community who outlive their funds.
* Sat 7, P.O. Box 2770 Easton MD 21601. This agency supplies satellite TV transforming the Middle East through hope in Jesus Christ.
* Galcom International, PO Box 270956, Tampa, FL 33688. This agency provides solar-powered radios, tuned to a local Christian station, in areas where the people are illiterate, or there is no written language.
Winslow plans to remain in their apartment at 725 W. Middle St Apt 34, Chelsea MI 48118. E-mail is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.